Sunset Yoga in the Sky in Downtown Norfolk

It’s a bird… it’s a plane…. no, it’s a yogi in the sky.

Bhav Brigade held its first sunset yoga class on the 19th floor of the Wells Fargo Tower in Downtown Norfolk this week, and will be hosting a special second class this evening in honor of the dawning new year.

It will be a vinyasa practice suitable for all levels of yogis, including brand-new beginners.

image | slnusbaum.com

The class is donation-based, which means pay what you can, even if that’s nothing at all.

The views are striking. Wall-to-wall windows look out over the NEON district, the rest of the Norfolk skyline, and the Elizabeth River to the west. Appreciation to SL Nusbaum Realty for helping make this special series of classes happen.

“(This class) highlights how engaged, innovative and collaborative both individuals and businesses are in downtown Norfolk,” said Jessica Johnson, who is teaching the class for Bhav. “We needed an indoor space, Nusbaum realty had a vacant floor at the top of the Wells Fargo tower and voila — a previously underutilized space is now an arena for philanthropy, community and positive social change.”

With Bhav Brigade, I found myself again. I returned week after week to the safety of my yoga mat and slowly started to immerse myself into this beautiful community. I learned how to breathe again during a time when panic attacks left me paralyzed. I learned how to find peace and purpose by simply being still. I learned that I am in charge of my body in its entirety: every breath, every movement, every emotion. Most of all, I learned that my body is beautiful and is capable of doing wonderful things despite what happened to me.

Yoga truly changes lives…. and this view will only add to the atmosphere of inspiration.

image | Eva Fuze for hav Brigade

“There’s something special about the way Norfolk is so community oriented,” said Jessica. “People want what’s organic and to be a part of good energy.”

It is suggested that yogis arrive 10 minutes early to sign the waiver, and to make sure to leave time for parking (or bike riding on what should be a nice, late-fall kinda day.) Enter through the main entrance of the Wells Fargo Tower (440 Monticello Ave) and take the elevator up.

The focus of the class this evening will be setting intentions for the new year.

Jesse is the editor of AltDaily.com and a columnist for the Norfolk Compass & PilotOnline. His work has been published on the pages of The New York Times and on televisions everywhere through his time as a documentary producer with B.E.T.

Jesse often writes about the causes he believes in, including public art, public education, improved mental health care and awareness, the NEON District, government transparency, civic engagement, the decriminalization of marijuana, alternative transportation, and supporting local businesses and culture.

In a former life Jesse was a public school teacher in Brooklyn and San Diego, and a mentor at a home for young men in Cape Town, South Africa. He is a devoted yogi, Knicks fan, live music lover, and road tripper.